About Professor Hassan Ugail
Who is Hassan Ugail?
Hassan Ugail is a mathematician, computer scientist, and a philanthropist who was born and raised in Hithadhoo, Addu City, Maldives. He completed his primary education in Nooraanee School, Hithadhoo and with the support of his family, who always encouraged his desire to learn, he relocated to Male', the capital for further studies. He completed his secondary school at the English Preparatory and Secondary School (EPSS) and the Science Education Centre (SEC). Ugail was always an outstanding student, and as a result, he was awarded a British Council scholarship, allowing him to pursue his education in the United Kingdom in 1992.
Career Highlights
As the first Maldivian to achieve a PhD in Mathematics and the first and only Maldivian to date to receive a professorship in science at the age of 38, Professor Ugail currently works at the University of Bradford, UK as a Professor of Visual Computing and serves as the Director of the Centre for Visual Computing. He is among the youngest professors at the University of Bradford. Prof. Ugail's principal research interests are in the area of machine learning and artificial intelligence. He is particularly well known for his work on computer-based human face analysis including, face recognition, face ageing, emotion analysis and lie detection.
Giving Back to Society
Aside from his academic work, Ugail continues to inspire individuals, particularly Maldivians, to pursue careers in science by giving motivational presentations, hosting local scientific television shows, and disseminating science-related information in a lively and engaging manner. Additionally, Ugail believes that for a society to develop and thrive, it is necessary to cultivate sharp and inquisitive minds. Today, Ugail is the Founder and President of the Ugail Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to society via education. As such, theCircle by Ugail Foundation has been founded as a centre for the pursuit of knowledge and creativity for all ages.
Career Highlights
Graduated from King’s College London
B.Sc. in Mathematics and Post Graduate Certificate in Education
Graduated with B.Sc. in Mathematics with First Class Honours.
1995 - 1996PhD, Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Leeds
Research in the field of geometric design
• First Maldivian to hold a doctorate in Mathematics.
• Worked as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Leeds Department of Applied Mathematics until September 2002
2000
Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Professor at the School of Informatics, University of Bradford
Professor of Visual Computing
• First and only Maldivian to have received a professorship to date in the field of science.
• Received professorship at the age of 38 and is among the youngest professors at the University of Bradford.
• Currently serves as the Director of Bradford's Centre for Visual Computing.
2002 - 2009Contributions in the field of Science and Technology
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Facial Recognition
• Developed a number of world leading technologies and owns a number of patents in the area of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
• Developed world class face recognition and facial analysis technologies which are being utilised for high level criminal investigations.
2009 - Present
Won the most prestigious award from University of Bradford
Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence in Knowledge Transfer Award
Received the award after establishing two cutting-edge approaches for defining and manipulating complex digital data.
2010Received Maldives National Award
Maldives National Award for Innovation
First and only Maldivian to have received national award to date in the field of innovation.
2011Ugail Foundation was established
Philanthropy in the field of Education with focus on STEAM
• The Foundation culminates the 25 years of corporate responsibility initiatives by Professor Ugail under one umbrella.
• Promotes science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) across the board, particularly among Maldivian children and youth.
• The Circle Academy and The Circle by Ugail Foundation was established with the aim to educate, inspire and empower people by developing novel learning initiatives to achieve their fullest potential.
2019
